Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Sunday - July 31, 2005
From: Dorchester, MA
Region: Northeast
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Smarty Plants on Tamarisk
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Where can I buy Tamarisk, and will it survive in Massachusetts? I've seen it in Provincetown, on Cape Cod.ANSWER:
None of the species of tamarisk, Tamarix spp., is native to North America. Tamarisk was imported to the US as an ornamental plant, but it has escaped from cultivation and become an environmental disaster in many parts of the country by overwhelming native vegetation and depleting precious groundwater. All species, including Tamarix parviflora which can be found in Connecticut and Massachusetts, are introduced and are listed by several states as an invasive noxious weed. Please read the Special Note from the University of Connecticut Plant Database. Perhaps you should consider a native tree as an alternative. The New England native, Northern Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica) has similar physical and cultural characteristics to tamarisk and has the advantages of not being invasive and having wonderfully fragrant foliage. You can find lists of nurseries by state or region in the National Suppliers Directory that specialize in native plants and learn what they might have available.More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Sources of Rosa acicularis for research
March 25, 2007 - I am a professor at the University of Nebraska and would like to obtain some Rosa acicularis plants to do research with. Can you tell me how to purchase them.
Thanks.
view the full question and answer
More on bluebonnets
March 02, 2005 - Where can I find seeds for maroon bluebonnets? I understand that Texas A&M has developed cultivars for this plant in as many as four colors. I haven't been able to find a source for them.
view the full question and answer
Want to purchase mustang grape (Vitis mustangensis)
September 21, 2010 - Do you know of a nursery where I can purchase mustang grapes? I have searched the web to no avail.
view the full question and answer
Native replacements for English ivy in Atlanta
April 17, 2009 - What to plant instead of English Ivy in Atlanta, Georgia. We have a nice lot with trees in back of our lot. To protect our trees there I'm clearing out the ubiquitous English ivy (lots of gardens i...
view the full question and answer
Smarty Plants on Hesperaloe parviflora
July 11, 2005 - I see these bright pink orange flowers on tall bracts everyday on the way to work. I have been searching for the name so I can buy one. I found a picture on your site at (http://www.wildflower.org/?...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |